This Westlake hangout offers mouth-watering bites and fine wine for half the price.

What’s packed every afternoon at 4 o’clock, has an easily accessible location, and wants to give you everything — including half a bottle of wine — for half the price? There are plenty of punchline opportunities here, but I’m talking about Barolo Ristorante — Westlake Avenue’s cure for the happy hour blues.

Casually catering to the downtown and South Lake Union professional crowd, Barolo’s slim, sleek dining area mimics a slightly bent boomerang. A high level of conversation permeates throughout the restaurant — there are never more than a few seats available. If you’re lucky enough, you might even be able to snag a corner both that provides a bit of intimacy amongst the masses.

Must-Have Grub: I went with the eggplant parmigiana ($5.50), the highlight of which was its layer of mozzarella. As a sort of a barometer, I like to think that an establishment’s calamari can lend an impression of things to come, and Barolo’s did not disappoint; their fried calamari ($5.50) was properly seasoned and not greasy at all. The last item to catch my eye was the veal carpaccio with arugula salad and truffle mélange ($6.50) — a combination of veal, greens, and truffles that was easily worth my while. 

Must-Have Libations: As I mentioned before, Barolo is more than happy to throw you a bottle of red, white, or rose’ for $14. During a recent visit, my guest and I enjoyed a lighter sangiovese that was easily worth the price. The other specials don’t shy away however; house glasses go for $3.50 while a pint of ale is only $3. 

Happy Times: Twice daily, 3 — 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. — close.

Barolo Ristorante  |  1940 Westlake Ave., Seattle  |  (206) 770-9000